The Seattle Sounders, who lost three defenders this offseason, made a move Thursday to shore up their back line by signing Swedish international defender Adam Johansson.

Johansson, 28, spent the last seven years playing for IFK Göteborg in the Allvenskan, Sweden's top league. He scored two goals in 129 appearances for Göteborg. He has international experience, too, making his debut for Sweden's senior club in a 2009 exhibition against the U.S. national team. He has nine international caps, including three starts in World Cup qualifiers.

"Adam has been a mainstay at Göteborg for years and we are very happy to add him to our defense," Sounders technical director Chris Henderson said in a statement. "His leadership and experience are going to be a great compliment to the growth of our team.

"Adam is very good tactically and is smart in the way he joins the attack from the back. We are pleased he is also in the running for the starting right back role for Sweden as they prepare for the Euros."

He'll help fill the void created by the departures of James Riley in the expansion draft, Tyson Wahl in a trade to Montreal and Taylor Graham's retirement.

"I had a great stay in Seattle while meeting with officials from the club, and seeing the stadium and training ground," Johansson said. "I got a really good feeling. It will be a new start for me, a new life. It's going to be a good adventure.

"The Sounders are one of the biggest teams in the United States. They want to be one of the top clubs in North and South America and have big crowds. I'm joining a club with a very good reputation."